Filipinos told to defer travel to Thailand amid political unrest

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government today advised its citizens against traveling to Thailand amid the ongoing political rallies in Bangkok.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said at a press briefing the Philippines has raised alert 1 over Thailand due to "signs of internal disturbance."

Anti-government protesters demanding the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to resign have been staging mass demonstrations for the past several weeks.

Hernandez cautioned Filipinos from going to protest sites and showing support for any of the parties involved.

Filipinos living in Bangkok are also told to exercise vigilance even as the general situation in the capital "remains peaceful and under control."